Again, as much as I’d like to fund them all, I’ve chosen just five finalists. The winner will be announced on Friday (June 29th). Your input is always welcome.

In no particular order, these are the 5 finalists:

Pablo Orozco

…was executive director of an environmental non-profit (calexico new river committee) before coming to Fresno to work for USDA. Currently business partner, with his wife Sol, at Raizana Teas (raizana.com).

WITH THE MONEY, he would launch & market Raizana’s monthly local-charity event. He would promote a local charity on his site by giving exposure and donating 10% of that month’s sales, encouraging the community to learn about and contribute to that charity.

Jeffry Clark

…a happy and hard-working nerd living in a cozy little apartment with a wonderful wife. He spends his days reading and learning, and my evenings working as a customer service representative for the Internal Revenue Service.

WITH THE MONEY, he would start a self sustaining library of supplies to make tabletop gaming accessible and affordable to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to take part. The long-term goal would be to eventually have a storefront for the library with tables that players can rent for a day. Jeff reminds us that table-top gaming requires working on communication skills, organization, and social coordination. It routinely makes players read, do math, and practice problem-solving. Of the many kinds of games in the world, it may be best-suited to prepare people for the real world while also taking a break from it.

Danielle Mayer

…just went back to school to take art classes after homeschooling her daughter for a few years. She likes figuring out how to make stuff.

WITH THE MONEY, to bring a Mini Maker Faire to Fresno. would use the money mostly for promotion of it (t-shirts, fliers, buttons, etc.) to get the word out once the application is approved, and if any small makers needed some help. Any money not used would be to supply project materials for the make-and-take activities at the Faire.

Matthew Hodge

…is a web developer with a passion for story-telling. He’s got an education in Digital Animation and has recently started his own game production company. (Step2Digital.com)

WITH THE MONEY, he would purchase a proper setup for live action and CG integration. He could begin offering his skill in this area immediately. He could then start an indie gaming site (hodgepodgegaming.com). This site will feature free to distribute games found across the web and offer info on what’s new in the indie game dev scene.

John Recchio

…currently finishing his third year at UC San Diego, pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. His passion is computers, and he enjoys staying close to the hardware-software interface. Technology had a significant impact on John growing up, and he wants to make sure everyone has the same opportunity.

WITH THE MONEY, he’d build an easily-installable proximity sensor for older models of cars. This sensor will be based on the new ultra low voltage bluetooth technology, and sync with one’s cell phone when they near their vehicle. It will let users know when they are about to hit something whilst backing up (their cell phone will play a tone). This is a feature present in new cars, but older or cheaper cars do not have this capability.

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What do you think? Your feedback is welcome, and your support is required 😉

17 Responses to “Overfund Finalists”

First off, I’d like to congratulate the finalists! Secondly, I’d like to cast my vote for Jeff, if there was a vote to cast. I may be a bit biased, but I also know how much passion he has for this idea and seeing it through to whatever the end may be. I fully support him and I know that if his idea takes off, it will grow beyond what we can even comprehend.

If I had a vote, it would be for DANIELLE MAYER – a mini Maker Faire for Fresno would be amazing and in the same spirit at 59 Days of Code. Plus, I would imagine we could find some amazing Makers in our agriculture focused community!

My vote is for Jeff Clark. My husband has been an Advanced Dungeon Master for about 40 years, and I’ve observed the games that Jeff has participated in, and he has such a great mind for the game, but an even bigger heart.

Worthy projects, one and all. To see people put their energies towards productive pursuits, choosing to create and act rather than sit idly staring as alternating hours of pulp, stupidity, and hate dribble from their TVs is inspiring. I believe this isn’t just a symptom of the few listed here, but a movement that is gradually taking hold in our country. People are waking up and taking stock. They’re seeing that the tools are there, all around them. They just need to pick them up, put their shoulder to it, and dust off the power of their own minds.

America became what it is because we had something no other country took the time to cultivate before we showed them how. A cultural mindset that said, “I can do that”. Then things got mooshy. We forgot that garages aren’t really for parking cars, but are personal laboratories that come standard with most homes. We forgot the joy in creation. We were taught that “learning” isn’t joyful.

Sorry for the rant. I just wanted to explain my thinking a little before I said I think you should back the Mini Maker Faire. The other ideas are noble, fun, innovative and each deserves to see the light of day. But the Mini Maker Faire has the potential to do more. It can shake those that haven’t awakened. The investment has the potential to bring many more ideas, many more projects, and, ultimately, more change to the world.

Innovation is so important. To individuals, communities, countries, and the world. I applaud you for pitching in. Thanks.

Maker’s Faire. I know more people than I could count that excel at creating. It’d be great to see what our community could come up with. I think that’s key to making Fresno into a true Entrepreneurial area.

While a great idea, Danielle Mayer is seeking to do what Devoya Mayo has already began with the Fresno Handmade Bazaar (held February 28th and was a HUGE, success. More info here: http://fresnobeehive.com/2012/02/weekend_rewind_46.html). The next Handmade Bazaar is Dec 8, 2012.

Matthew Hodge impressed me greatly at 59 Days of Code, my vote is for his project.

I was trying to stay out of this conversation, but wanted to comment on Bradley’s comparison. I did not know about the Fresno Handmade Bazaar, but it sounds like a great event and outlet for Fresno craftspersons. And a small part of maker faires is the bazaar. But to clarify, the Maker movement goes way beyond just selling a product. It is a gathering of people of ALL creative pursuits to share their ideas and knowledge. One of its main ideals is participation by all ages, kids included, with a lot of emphasis on education and sharing ideas across categories. It not only includes crafts and music, but also programming, robotics, sustainable living, tinkering, and a huge list of other areas. And yes, Matthew did a great job at 59days, especially for zero-code! Congrats to all the finalists; everyone has a great idea they are passionate about…have fun deciding Irma : )

I have to say that I think John Recchio has a very interesting sounding idea. Not only does it have the potential to save lives, but it also has the potential to sell for good money. Enough to fund any other invention ideas he can come up with.

THANK YOU, to Irma and all the rest of the overfunders!! I couldn’t comment on Irma’s announcement page, but wanted to thank everyone for their support. Now I expect to see all those that want to see this happen come join my facebook page Fresno Area Makers to help in the brainstorming of Fresno’s first mini Maker Faire. I now know there is definitely enough interest so can proceed with the application process. I am sure this is a project that will end up snowballing and become a major event in Fresno. And to the other finalists, all great projects, I want you to know I plan to use this money wisely and make this event something you all will be proud of as well. As for John Recchio, I’m definitely hoping to see your car sensor idea presented at the faire, contact me ; )
Thank you all again!